Glendale Apartment Fall Lawyer
Your landlord has a legal obligation to keep your building safe. When they don't — and you get hurt — California law holds them responsible. We handle the investigation, the insurance company, and the legal claim so you can focus on healing.
- ✓ No Fee Unless We Win
- ✓ Direct Attorney Access
- ✓ Free Same-Day Case Review
You Pay Rent. Your Landlord Owes You a Safe Building.
Falling in your own apartment complex is disorienting in a way that a fall in a store isn’t. It happened at home — in the stairwell you use every day, on the walkway you cross to reach your car, in the parking structure that’s supposed to be maintained by the same people who cash your rent check. And now you’re hurt, dealing with medical bills, possibly missing work, and wondering whether any of this is actually your fault.
It’s not. California law is clear: under Civil Code §1714, every property owner — including your landlord — owes a duty of ordinary care to everyone who lawfully enters their property. That includes you as a tenant. It includes your guests and visitors. It even includes delivery workers and maintenance personnel. When a landlord fails to inspect, fails to repair a known hazard, or fails to warn you of a dangerous condition, and you get hurt because of it — they are legally liable.
And the liability doesn’t stop with the landlord. If your building is managed by a property management company, that company can also be held independently responsible for failing to maintain safe conditions.
Glendale has a high concentration of large apartment complexes — particularly along Glenoaks Boulevard, San Fernando Road, Brand Boulevard, and the corridors near the 5 and 134 freeways. Many of these buildings are aging, under-maintained, or managed by third-party companies with slow response times to reported hazards. Falls happen in stairwells with broken lighting. On breezeways where a water leak was never repaired. In parking structures where a speed bump has been crumbling for months. At pools with slippery entries and no safety signage.
You have two years from the date of your fall to file a claim under California’s statute of limitations (CCP §335.1). Evidence disappears quickly — surveillance footage is overwritten, maintenance records get lost, and witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner an attorney gets involved, the stronger your case.
You May Have an Apartment Fall Case If:
- You fell on a broken or uneven staircase, step, or landing
- The hallway, stairwell, or parking structure was inadequately lit
- The flooring was damaged, torn, warped, or buckled
- You fell in a parking lot, speed bump, or pothole that the landlord was responsible for
- A leaking pipe, roof, or appliance created a wet floor that caused the fall
- A handrail was missing, loose, or broken
- You slipped on a wet walkway, breezeway, or lobby floor with no warning sign
- You reported the hazard in writing before the fall and it wasn't repaired
- A pool deck, hot tub area, or outdoor recreation area had a slipping hazard
- Another tenant caused a hazard that the property manager knew about and failed to address
Where Apartment Falls Happen Most Often in Glendale
Injuries at apartment complexes follow predictable patterns. The location of your fall determines who is liable, what evidence exists, and how your claim is built. The most common locations we handle:
🚶Stairwells and Staircases
Broken steps, missing nosings, poor lighting, crumbling concrete, and unsecured handrails are among the most common hazards in Glendale's older apartment buildings. A fall on stairs frequently causes fractures, spinal injuries, and head trauma. The landlord is responsible for maintaining all common-area stairs in safe condition — and cannot use building age as a defense.
🚗 Parking Structures and Lots
Uneven pavement, deteriorating speed bumps, oil slicks, inadequate lighting, and poor drainage create fall conditions in parking areas. Many Glendale apartment complexes share parking structures with retail neighbors, creating questions about which party is responsible — we investigate and identify every liable party.
🏊 Pool Decks and Outdoor Common Areas
Slippery pool surrounds, wet entries, missing or broken drain covers, and lack of slip-resistant surfaces around pools and hot tubs create significant fall risk. California pool safety regulations impose additional specific obligations on landlords.
🛤️ Walkways, Breezeways, and Courtyards
Water leaks from upper floors or plumbing create wet walkways. Cracked or uneven pavement, raised concrete, and debris create trip hazards. These areas receive the highest foot traffic and produce the highest frequency of preventable falls.
🧺 Laundry Rooms and Common Facilities
Leaking machines, deteriorating flooring, poor lighting, and no warning signage when floors are wet make laundry areas a regular source of fall claims. The landlord is responsible for all equipment and conditions in common facility areas
🏢 Building Lobbies and Mail Areas
Wet floors from weather, cleaning, or leaks — without warning signs — are a leading cause of lobby falls. Property management is responsible for prompt cleanup and for maintaining appropriate signage.
🔧 Inside the Unit After a Reported Repair Was Ignored
If you notified your landlord in writing about a dangerous condition inside your unit — a broken floor tile, a warped threshold, a loose fixture — and they failed to repair it within a reasonable time, they are liable for your injury. Your written maintenance request is the key piece of evidence.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After an Apartment Fall?
One of the most important things to understand about apartment fall cases is that multiple parties can be liable at the same time. We investigate every party with legal responsibility for the condition that caused your injury.
The Property Owner / Landlord
The landlord owns the building and has a non-delegable duty to maintain it safely under Civil Code §1714. Even if they hired a property management company to handle day-to-day operations, the owner cannot fully transfer their liability. Both parties can be named.
The Property Management Company
If a third-party management company was contracted to maintain the property and failed in that duty — ignored your repair request, conducted inadequate inspections, failed to supervise staff — they can be held independently liable for your injuries. This is one of the most underutilized claims in apartment fall cases
Maintenance Contractors and Vendors
If a specific contractor was hired to repair the condition that caused your fall and did the work improperly — or failed to warn of a hazard they created — they may also bear liability. We identify every vendor involved in the affected area.
What We Recover for Glendale Apartment Fall Victims
California law recognizes both economic and non-economic damages in premises liability cases. We pursue every category that applies to your injury.
Economic Damages
(Bills & Lost Income)
- Emergency room, hospital, and urgent care costs
- Orthopedic and surgical treatment
- Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation
- Ongoing medical care and follow-up treatment
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Reduced future earning capacity if injuries are permanent
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the injury (transportation, medications, mobility aids)
Non-Economic Damages
(What the Fall Actually Cost You)
- Pain and suffering during treatment and recovery
- Permanent disability, disfigurement, or scarring
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for spouses
A note on your renters insurance: Your renters insurance covers your personal property — it does not cover your bodily injury. The claim for your medical bills and lost wages goes against the landlord’s commercial property liability policy. That insurer works for the landlord, not for you. You need your own attorney.
Court House Lawyers vs. A Typical PI Firm
| Court House Lawyers | Typical PI Firm | |
|---|---|---|
|
Case Review |
Same day, often within hours |
2–3 business days |
|
Attorney Access |
You speak directly with the attorney on your case |
Routed through a case manager or paralegal |
|
Evidence Preservation |
Same-day requests for surveillance footage, maintenance records, prior complaints — before they disappear |
Often delayed; critical evidence is frequently lost |
|
Liability Investigation |
We identify every party: landlord, management company, contractor |
Many firms name only the obvious party |
|
Insurance Strategy |
We treat the property insurer as the opposing party from day one |
Many firms accept early lowball offers |
|
Trial Readiness |
Every case prepared for trial; insurers know it |
Settlement-only firms get lower offers |
|
Fees |
No win, no fees. Period. |
Can say the same — watch for costs deducted at settlement |
George Mkrtchyan
Managing Attorney
- 🏆 Insider Weekly 2025: Awarded Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles
- ⭐ 5.0 Average · 45+ Google Reviews
- 💼 10+ Years in California Courts
- ⚖️ State Bar of California #339099
Thorough Preparation.
Willingness to Go to Trial.
Every Client Speaks Directly With Him.
George Mkrtchyan is the Managing Attorney of Court House Lawyers, a Glendale-based personal injury firm. Over the past decade, George has handled premises liability cases involving negligent landlords, property management companies, and building owners across Glendale and Los Angeles County — including cases where insurance companies initially denied liability entirely.
He is known for thorough preparation, a willingness to take cases to trial when insurers underpay, and a client-first communication standard. Every client speaks directly with him — not a paralegal, not an assistant
“Insurance companies bank on fear and fatigue. They count on you accepting a fast, low offer because you’re tired and hurting. Our job is to make sure you don’t have to fight that fight alone”
— George Mkrtchyan, Managing Attorney
$500 → $50,000
A 50-year-old woman in Glendale came to us after being injured in a school bus collision while waiting to pick up her grandchildren. The insurance company had offered $500 to close the file. We rebuilt the case from the medical records up. Final recovery: $50,000. This is the difference experienced representation makes.
Real Results for California Personal Injury Clients
Personal Injury · Car Accident
85% Fault Reversed to 0%
Client was initially assigned 85% fault in a left-turn collision. After George and case manager Grant Abdazhyan took over, the fault assignment was reversed to zero and the client recovered full compensation.
Personal Injury · Car Accident
Largest Share in 3-Party Collision
Three people were injured in the same accident. One represented by Court House Lawyers. One by a big Personal Injury Firm in LA; and one without an attorney. Our client received the largest individual recovery of the three — the result of aggressive early documentation and a client-first strategy.
Personal Injury · Rideshare
$0 → $35,000 in 30 Days
Client injured in an Uber accident initially received nothing from the insurer. Court House Lawyers secured a $35,000 settlement within 30 days of filing a lawsuit.
Personal Injury · UIM Arbitration
Full Policy Limits Won
Out-of-state underinsured motorist policy. The insurer refused to pay fairly. Court House Lawyers demanded arbitration and secured the full policy limits for the client.
Personal Injury · Car Accident
$500 Offer → $50,000 Recovery
A 50-year-old woman in Glendale was offered $500 after a school bus accident. Court House Lawyers rebuilt the case from the medical records up. Final recovery: $50,000 — 100x the original offer.
Past results are specific to the facts of each case and do not guarantee future outcomes.
Every premises liability matter is evaluated on its own merits.
Ness G
8 months ago
I was involved in a car accident with my 10yr old daughter and mother and not knowing what my right were being involved in a accident that was not my fault and the stress that comes with it if you can understand that. I was referred by a friend to give Grant Abadzhyan at Court House Lawyers and IT WAS THE BEST ADVICE I COULD HAVE TAKEN Grant was professional throughout the entire process very informative and made sure to keep me updated with any important details even answered any questions I had no matter what time it was He really went above and beyond I AM SO THANKFUL FOR Grant Abadzhyan and all that he did to help us and to make sure that I was appropriately compensated for my vehicle and Lost costs and bodily injury not just myself but my child and mother . I highly recommend Grant Abadzhyan and Court House Lawyers to anyone looking for help you will not be disappointed at all.
Amanda Loo
8 months ago
Fast, professional, and real. George took care of my lemon law issue in record time. Now I can buy a car that actually runs.
Kathy Musser
8 months ago
Just wanted to give a huge thank you to Court House Lawyers. My car was a lemon, and George got it handled fast. I didn’t even have to speak with the dealership again. The whole experience was seamless.
Deborah Macgregor
8 months ago
After I slipped near the entrance of a grocery store and hurt my back, I wasn’t sure if I had a case. After being recommended by a friend, I reached out to Court House Lawyers. Grant answered the call and explained everything clearly and made the process easy. He got me a settlement that covered my treatment and time off work. True professionals.
Rose Sloan
8 months ago
Highly recommend George and his team. They genuinely care about their clients and fight to get what you deserve. Court House Lawyers are not lemons, they are the real deal.
Richard McCoy
8 months ago
Absolutely amazing experience with Court House Lawyers. After getting T-boned, I was in pain, overwhelmed, and didn’t know where to start. A family friend suggested Court House Lawyers, and I’m so thankful they did. Grant walked me through every step, helped with treatment, and made sure I never felt alone through the process. I truly felt supported the whole way. Can’t thank these guys enough!
Dorothy Oritz
8 months ago
George is a beast in the courtroom and a blessing outside of it. I contacted him about my lemon law case after months of stress dealing with the dealership. He took over, handled it all, and got me every dollar back. No stress, just results.
Adolph Wagner
8 months ago
From the very beginning, Grant made me feel confident and cared for. After my accident, he arranged medical treatment, dealt with the insurance companies, and secured a settlement that helped me get back on my feet. I can’t recommend Court House Lawyers enough.
Joseph Tillotson
9 months ago
Excellent results, and even better people. They care about doing things right and making sure you’re taken care of. I’d use them again in a heartbeat.
Carolina Crosby
9 months ago
Court House Lawyers made me feel like I had a real team behind me. Grant kept me updated and never left me guessing. My case resolved faster than I expected.
Johnny Keefe
11 months ago
This firm truly lives up to the hype. I had heard about them through a friend and when my lemon car turned into a headache, I gave them a call. George got the manufacturer to take the car back and refund everything. Can’t thank them enough.
jack thomsen
11 months ago
Fast, professional, and real. George took care of my lemon law issue in record time. Got a full refund and didn’t have to deal with any back-and-forth.
Cecilia Valle
11 months ago
I was involved in an accident and was referred to Court House Lawyers by a family member. Given this was my first accident, I was very unsure about how the claims process worked or what to do at all. I’m so grateful to everything Grant has done for me! He was professional throughout the entire process & very informative and made sure to keep me updated with any important details. He really went above and beyond to make sure that I was appropriately compensated for my vehicle & bodily injury. I would recommend Grant and Court House Lawyers to all of my friends and family.
Raffie Manvelyan
12 months ago
George helped me get my lemon law case approved and car surrendered. Honestly this was the easiest and most painless time for me when it comes to dealing with lawyers. He stayed on top of everything and got it all pushed through in months. I never dealt with anyone from the dealership, he gave me assurances and fully came through. If I was you I would never hesitate coming to them with a case.
Laura Fisher
12 months ago
I would like to do a shoot out to a wonderful lawyer named George Mkrtchyan at Courthouse lawyer. George fought my case and won!! George always keep in contact with me, got me all my medical needs and fought and never gave up I want to thank George for all the hard work he did for me!! I will let anyone know go see George at Courthouse lawyer!! Thank u George.. Laura
Ian Wingenroth
12 months ago
I was involved in a collision on my motorcycle. Grant was reccomended to me from an acquaintance and I decided to give him a call. Best thing I could've possibly done and will always do in any future accidents. Grant was beyond professional in keeping me informed with my insurance claims and all the paperwork/documentation necessary to proceed. What I thought was gonna be a total loss on the bike that I had just built, Grant gave me all the possible options and fought hard with the insurance company to get the true value of my bike, not what the stock value was. Then I was introduced to some of the best chiropractors and best doctors in LA which led to proper recovery and rehab of my injuries. He also helped me deal with my insurance, medical and auto, and helped me keep track of the bills. If I had any questions/ concerns he was a call away and made sure I was taken care of and informed. The professional character and selflessness to make sure I was ok, speaks major volumes of his character and the intentions of their law firm. He wasn't just an attorney looking for a buck, he cared about my recovery, and that I received anything/everything I needed. On top of treatment I also recieved a settlement far beyond my expectations. My only recommendation for any auto accident attorneys and law firms will be Court House Lawyers and specifically, Grant. I had dealt with Russ Brown Attorneys many years prior, and they cant even compete with the professionalism and standards that this firm upholds. They were the light in the dark tunnel I found myself in, and I am forever grateful of their services. If you're thinking of giving them a shot, I can say from my experience, that they are the only ones I trust and recommend, so look no further. They are hands down the best.
Kost
1 year ago
I am simply amazed and beyond satisfied with the services I have received. Last year, I was in my first car accident where I was rear-ended while stopped at a red light. The whole process was frightening and very stressful. I was referred to Courthouse Lawyers, and George really helped calm me down and made everything extremely easy for me. They assisted me with car repairs, medical costs for my injuries, and even helped me receive a nice compensation. I am truly grateful to this law firm! Thank you, George!
Michael Kajikian
1 year ago
The best lawyer! Contacted George to help with my case with Audi and he accepted it with open arms. Nothing but the absolute best when it came to communication and we resolved the issue in a timely manner. Would highly recommend his services to ANYONE with any kind of inquiries!
Arsen Petrosyan
1 year ago
Thank you George!!! The Ford Bronco I bought turned out to be a total lemon. Ford refused to give me a full refund, even though the car was back in service a few days after I bought it. From the moment I contacted him, George was determined to help me. He handled everything with ease and within a matter of days he got them to agree to a FULL refund. George didn't charge me anything and was able to get me out of a defective car at no cost to me!
Don't hesitate to reach out to George. He's a true lifesaver.
Don't hesitate to reach out to George. He's a true lifesaver.
Ashot Baghdiyan
1 year ago
I leased a Silverado, shortly after receiving the truck, all the issues and problems turned it into a nightmare. I tried to deal with the manufacturer myself but they denied the case. I called The Court House Lawyers and they submitted the claim on my behalf. Not only did they agree the vehicle is a lemon but also I received all my money back. Court house lawyers did not take anything from my settlement and they were there every step of the way. This was the first time an attorney explained the law to me in a way I can easily understand. Thank you court house lawyers.
What Working With Us Looks Like
A free, same-day case review
Tell us where you fell, what the condition was, and what injuries you've suffered. We'll give you our honest assessment of whether you have a claim, who is liable, and what it may be worth — even if you don't hire us.
Direct attorney representation.
You won't be passed off to a junior associate or a legal assistant. George handles your case from the first call.
Evidence preserved immediately.
Surveillance footage in apartment complexes is typically overwritten on 7- to 30-day cycles. Maintenance records and prior complaint logs can be altered or destroyed. We send preservation requests to the landlord and property management company the same day you retain us.
All liable parties identified.
We investigate the landlord, the property management company, and any maintenance contractors involved in the area where you fell. Every responsible party is named.
Thorough insurance negotiation.
We treat the property liability insurer as the opposing party from day one. Because that's what they are.
Medical referrals if you need them.
If you don't have a doctor or can't afford specialist care, we connect you with experienced providers in Glendale and the surrounding area who treat injury victims on a lien basis — no upfront cost.
Documentation we handle for you.
Incident reports, maintenance records, prior tenant complaints, medical bills, lost-wage verification — we gather and organize everything
Trial preparation as the default.
Property liability insurers settle higher when they know we'll take the case to court. Most cases never get there — because of the preparation.
No money out of your pocket.
No retainer. No hourly bills. No win, no fee.
How a Glendale Apartment Fall Case Works
1. Free Case Review
We talk through what happened: where in the building you fell, what the hazardous condition was, whether you'd reported it before, what injuries you've suffered, and what treatment you've received. You walk away knowing whether you have a claim and what it's likely worth.
2. Investigation and Evidence Preservation
We send same-day preservation letters for building surveillance footage, maintenance logs, prior repair requests, and inspection records. We identify the landlord, property management company, and any contractors responsible for the area. We pull any prior complaints by other tenants about the same condition.
3. Liability Mapping
We establish which parties — landlord, management company, contractor — had legal responsibility for the condition that caused your fall, and how their failure to act created the hazard. This is where apartment fall cases are won or lost.
4. Demand Package and Negotiation
We document your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We present a complete demand to the property liability insurer with a clear picture of the hazard, the notice the landlord had, and the full scope of your damages. Property insurers always start low. We push back hard.
5. Litigation, If Needed
If the insurer refuses to pay what your case is worth, we file. Every case is prepared from day one as if it will go to trial — and that preparation is exactly why most cases settle for significantly more before they ever get there.
The Landlord's Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
When you’re injured in your apartment complex, the landlord’s commercial liability insurer will typically handle the claim. Here’s what to know before you speak to them:
- The adjuster who calls you works for the landlord's insurer — not for you. Their job is to resolve your claim for as little as possible, as quickly as possible.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the landlord's insurer without first speaking with an attorney. A recorded statement is used to lock in an early, incomplete version of events that can be used against you.
- Do not sign any release that the property management company, landlord, or their insurer presents. Once signed, your rights are permanently extinguished.
- Initial settlement offers from property liability insurers are almost always substantially below the actual value of the claim. The first offer is a tactic, not a fair assessment.
- California's pure comparative fault rule means the insurer will try to assign you some percentage of fault for the fall — even when the evidence doesn't support it. Having an attorney prevents this.
We communicate with the insurer on your behalf from the moment you hire us. You focus on your recovery.
Common Questions About Apartment Fall Cases in California
Can I sue my landlord if I fell in my own apartment?
Yes — if the fall was caused by a dangerous condition the landlord was responsible for repairing. For in-unit falls, notice is key: you generally need to show you notified the landlord about the dangerous condition and they failed to repair it within a reasonable time. For common-area falls, the standard is whether the landlord knew or should have known about the condition.
What if I didn't report the hazard before the fall?
You may still have a viable claim. For common areas, the landlord can be liable if the condition was one they should have discovered through reasonable inspection — even if no one reported it. We evaluate the specific facts of every case.
Can I sue the property management company separately from the landlord?
Yes. If a property management company had contractual responsibility for maintaining the building and failed in that duty, they can be held independently liable alongside the landlord. In many cases, the management company is the more directly responsible party because they handle day-to-day operations.
What if the landlord claims I was at fault for the fall?
California’s pure comparative fault rule means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — not eliminated. Even if you were 30% at fault, you recover 70% of your damages. Landlords and their insurers routinely overstate the tenant’s fault. Having an attorney prevents this.
What is the statute of limitations for a fall at my apartment?
Two years from the date of the fall under California CCP §335.1. Do not let this deadline pass — once it does, your claim is permanently barred regardless of how strong it is.
My lease says the landlord isn't responsible for injuries. Does that hold up?
Generally no. In California, landlords cannot contractually waive their duty of care under Civil Code §1714 through a lease clause. Lease provisions attempting to eliminate landlord liability for their own negligence are generally unenforceable.
What if I only suffered minor injuries — is it worth pursuing?
Call us and we’ll give you an honest assessment. What seems minor can result in ongoing treatment costs that add up significantly. We’ll tell you honestly whether the case is worth pursuing — not every fall is, and we’ll tell you that directly.
What does this cost me?
Nothing upfront. Our fee is contingency-based — we only get paid from the recovery we obtain for you. No win, no fee.
What to Do Right After a Fall in Your Apartment Complex
Report it immediately.
Tell the property manager or building staff about the fall before you leave the scene. Ask for a written incident report. Get a copy. If they refuse to provide one, document the request.
Photograph everything.
Take photos of the hazard — the broken step, the wet floor, the broken railing, the dim lighting — before it's repaired or cleaned up. Photograph your injuries. Photograph the location from multiple angles. Do this immediately; the property management company will often repair or clean up the hazard the same day.
Get medical attention the same day.
Even if you feel you can manage the pain, go to an emergency room or urgent care. Fractures, spinal injuries, and head trauma don't always present with full severity immediately. A medical record from the day of the fall is critical evidence.
Get witness information.
Names and phone numbers of any neighbors, visitors, or bystanders who saw the fall or were aware of the hazard before it happened.
Locate prior maintenance requests.
If you or another tenant had previously complained about this hazard in writing — via text, email, the building's maintenance portal, or a written notice — save every copy. These are your strongest evidence of notice.
Do not speak to the landlord's insurance company.
An adjuster will call you. They will seem helpful. Do not give a recorded statement. Do not discuss fault. Do not discuss your injuries in detail. Tell them you've retained an attorney and they will call.
Do not sign anything
Do not sign any release, settlement, or liability waiver without speaking with an attorney first.
Call Us First
Call (818) 293-8293 before doing anything else. Free, same-day review. We tell you exactly where you stand.
10
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND SUCCESS
Trusted Glendale apartment fall attorney holding landlords and property management companies accountable for buildings they failed to maintain safely.
Hurt in an Apartment Fall in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, or Anywhere in California?
You pay rent. You deserve a safe building. From our Glendale office, we represent apartment fall victims across California — including Burbank, Pasadena, La Cañada, La Crescenta, Eagle Rock, Atwater Village, Tujunga, and the greater Los Angeles area.